The neshama is similar to Hashem in five ways
We learn from the five times that Dovid HaMelech stated ”נפשי ברכי “that the neshamah is
comparable to HaKadosh Baruch Hu in five ways.
- Just as Hashem fills the world, sustains it, sees but is not seen, is tahor and resides in חדרי
חדרים) the hidden chambers), so too the neshama in its relationship to the body.
2. Never give up hope
A person should never give up hope no matter how dire a situation seems. Even if a sword is
placed upon his neck, one should never refrain from praying for mercy.
אפילו חרב חדה מונחת על צוארו של אדם אל ימני עצמו מן הרחמים -
This was learned from Chizkiyahu HaMelech who prayed for his health even though Yeshaya
HaNavi had told him he was going to die and lose his portion in Olam Haba for not getting
married and procreating.
3. Do not eat before davening Shacharis
One should not eat before he davens. This is learned from "הדם על תאכלו לא” ,"you may not eat
upon the blood”, which teaches that you may not eat in the morning before you pray upon your
“blood”, i.e. before praying for your wellbeing.Siman – A Yid
A Yid with a very special neshama has a sword against his neck but is not giving up hope as he sings
נפשי ברכי five times swaying back and forth and refuses the meal offered him before he has davened.